Hal,

63/37 or any other solder with lead will be available as long as there
is need for it. It will all depend upon cost benefit analysis. Here are
some situations where leaded solders may still be used:

   1. Soldering of water pipes in homes being built in USA.
   2. All equipment that is for sale in USA only ( has to be labeled as
      such or non-RoHS, non-WEEE compliant)
   3. If US military demands it (suspected reliability concerns with
      lead-free solder joints)
   4. All equipment that has exemption from RoHS and WEEE requirements (
      till 2010?)

However, it will be difficult and expensive to maintain two
manufacturing lines, one for lead free and one for leaded solders. So
you are right in assuming that it will be a forced conversion due to
business reasons.

--
_____________________
pratap singh
Tel./Fax: (512) 255-6820
email: [log in to unmask]
www.rampinc.com


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